How to Deal with Having the Villainous Tyrant’s Child Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Well, this was awkward.

Lu Hanzhi rubbed his nose and looked at the two “tops” standing before him. The atmosphere suddenly felt quite thick.

Yuwen Min looked even more awkward, unsure how to respond.

If he denied it, would that expose that Wang Fei had other preferences?

If he admitted it, well… that would feel like a loss.

But Lu Hanzhi, as bold as ever, stepped forward and casually draped an arm over Yuwen Min’s shoulder. “What’s the big deal? Don’t tell me you two don’t know how to have fun? Exploring each other’s bodies a little more makes things so much more interesting, Brother and Sister-in-law!”

Yuwen Min: …

Lu Xuzhi: …

Both of their faces looked a little unnatural, but Lu Hanzhi could tell—they were definitely listening.

After Yuwen Min and Lu Xuzhi finally left, Yuwen Min gave Lu Hanzhi a deep look and said, “…So, you’ve played like this with that big pig trotter yours before, haven’t you?”

Lu Hanzhi put on an innocent face and said, “Isn’t this perfectly normal?”

Yuwen Min clenched his molars, feeling as though a vast green prairie had grown atop his head. Yet, despite it all, he still wanted to act like an upright gentleman—how utterly foolish of him.

He turned and left the room, heading straight to the training grounds to practice his swordsmanship.

The young servants attending the training grounds watched in shock, their hearts pounding. They had no idea what had provoked the prince today, but the heavy sword in his hands was nearly on the verge of snapping from his relentless swings.

Crown Prince’s Residence – the Yun Residence

County Princess Zhaoyun once again furrowed her brows and refused Su Wan’ning’s request for a visit. She leisurely reclined on the couch in the warm pavilion, admiring the flowers.

The wintersweet blossoms were in full bloom. In just a few days, it would be the fifteenth of the twelfth month—the Empress Dowager’s sixty-sixth birthday.

Recently, the Crown Prince had been released from his house arrest and reinstated as the acting regent. It should have been a good thing, yet County Princess Zhaoyun felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

She had heard that Su Wan’ning had received the emperor’s favor and had been promoted to the position of the Crown Prince’s side consort, allowing her to move freely within and outside the palace.

Even though their statuses were worlds apart, Zhaoyun couldn’t help but worry.

She was two months pregnant now. The fetal heartbeat was steady, and she had experienced little discomfort during her pregnancy.

Pregnant women tend to develop an intense emotional attachment to their unborn child.

Right now, County Princess Zhaoyun feared nothing except that her baby might not be born safely.

For the past month, she had carefully followed Lu Hanzhi’s advice, avoiding Su Wan’ning as much as possible.

But today, avoidance was no longer an option—the Crown Prince had personally brought Su Wan’ning into her chambers. This was truly infuriating.

After all, this was the Crown Prince’s residence. If he wished to enter the Yun residence, no one dared to stop him.

As Zhaoyun watched Su Wan’ning follow closely behind the Crown Prince, her brows knitted tightly.

Just as she was about to speak, Su Wan’ning suddenly stepped forward and knelt before her: “Sister, no matter how great the mistake, it is entirely my fault. I should never have done something so disgraceful on your wedding day, bringing shame upon the Crown Prince. I should never have embarrassed you. These past days, I have reflected deeply on my actions and only hope that you can forgive me. We have been close for so many years—I don’t want this incident to drive a wedge between us. Now that you are with child, I am truly happy for you. I only wish that we could serve the Crown Prince together, just like before, as sisters.”

As she spoke, Su Wan’ning lifted her gaze to look at County Princess Zhaoyun.

Tears welled in her eyes, her expression soft yet tinged with grievance. However, within that delicate gaze, there was also a sharp glint.

County Princess Zhaoyun frowned and sat up from her reclining position.

Seeing this, Wet Nurse Liu immediately stepped forward to support her.

The Crown Prince, moved by Su Wan’ning’s tearful appearance, said, “Yun’er, I know Wan’er has done things that upset you. But the incident that day was my fault—it had little to do with her. If you are still angry, then blame me instead. There’s no need to hold it against Wan’er.”

Zhaoyun hadn’t been that furious at first. But the moment the Crown Prince started pleading on Su Wan’ning’s behalf, her irritation flared instantly.

She spoke coldly, “That was quite the speech, Brother Crown Prince. Yun’er was never angry in the first place, so what is there to forgive? By saying this, are you not making me seem petty? Surely you, of all people, should know why we married? Others may not understand, but don’t tell me you don’t? You and I were never fated to be together. I have only ever respected you, nothing more. But since we were forced into this marriage, we should at least fulfill our respective duties. I am already bearing your children—is that not enough? Must I also concern myself with household affairs for you? You already have such a cherished confidante, not to mention a male concubine to manage your household. Is it too much for me to ask to be a leisurely, unbothered principal wife? If you insist on being so unreasonable, then I can only ask the Empress Dowager to allow me to enter the palace and accompany her instead.”

Bringing up the Empress Dowager was not a mere bluff.

After all, Princess Mingxi had been personally raised by the Empress Dowager. When Zhaoyun married, it was the Empress Dowager herself who had sent her off.

Even more, when Mingxi left, the Empress Dowager—who had long withdrawn from worldly matters—held her hand and personally escorted her to the bridal sedan, saying, “If you ever find your days unbearable, come visit me.”

Few people had the Empress Dowager’s favor, but County Princess Zhaoyun was one of them.

Hearing her words, the Crown Prince had no choice but to give up.

He knew well that his father both respected and feared his imperial grandmother, harboring a deep sense of guilt toward her. If she spoke up, no one would dare to object.

When he turned to look at Su Wan’ning, he saw that her brows were furrowed in confusion.

She had gathered all her energy for this act, hoping to completely subdue County Princess Zhaoyun.

And yet, she had failed?

Su Wan’ning stood there in a daze, unable to hear the Crown Prince calling her.

“Wan’er?” the Crown Prince called again. “What’s wrong?”

Su Wan’ning lifted her large, innocent eyes, looking at him in confusion. “Wh-what?”

The Crown Prince sighed, “I’m saying that since the princess prefers peace and quiet, we should let her rest. I’ve already summoned a physician to check her pulse and prescribe some nourishing medicine for her.”

Su Wan’ning hesitated before responding, “Oh… oh, alright… Then I… I’ll take my leave.”

Just as she turned to go, County Princess Zhaoyun spoke again. “There’s no need for a physician. My mother has already arranged for the Chief Imperial Physician Lin to oversee my pregnancy. There’s no need for Brother Crown Prince to trouble himself.”

Everyone knew that Chief Physician Lin only tended to the most esteemed individuals in the palace and was usually preoccupied with medical research.

For the Grand Princess to be able to call upon him for Zhaoyun’s pregnancy care—it was an immense honor.

This time, the Crown Prince had nothing left to say. He stepped forward, took Su Wan’ning’s hand, and left County Princess Zhaoyun’s chambers.

After they were gone, Zhaoyun absentmindedly touched the handkerchief in her lap and murmured, “Wet Nurse Liu, why do I feel that there’s something off about Su Wan’ning’s eyes?”

Wet Nurse Liu asked, “Something off? Does she resent you, Your Highness?”

Zhaoyun shook her head. “I can’t quite put my finger on it. It just feels strange.”

Wet Nurse Liu chuckled, “Why trouble yourself with these thoughts, Your Highness? As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, we can treat her like nothing more than weeds by the roadside or tiles on a wall—nothing of importance.”

Zhaoyun nodded but sighed softly. “Wet Nurse, I’m holding onto Brother Min’s belongings, and I can’t help but feel guilty toward Young Master Lu.”

Wet Nurse Liu had been specifically instructed to safeguard the handkerchief for County Princess Zhaoyun.

She smiled and said, “County Princess, what are you saying? People are sentimental about the past. If someone isn’t, then they aren’t worth befriending. You are a thoughtful person and haven’t done anything excessive, so why blame yourself?”

County Princess Zhaoyun slowly nodded and said, “Wet Nurse, you’re right. In a few days, it will be the Empress Dowager’s birthday, and I want to prepare a birthday gift for her. Come with me and help embroider a ‘Hundred Longevity’ character for the Empress Dowager!”

Meanwhile, Su Wan’ning walked out of County Princess Zhaoyun’s room with her head lowered, obediently following behind the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince noticed her unusual behavior, sighed, and turned to say, “Zhaoyun has always been spoiled. Since she’s not angry with you, Wan’er, you shouldn’t take it to heart. The Empress Dowager’s exclusive favor in the Great Zhao has inevitably made her a bit willful.”

Su Wan’ning lifted her head, gazing at the Crown Prince with deep affection, and said, “I understand, but I only worry that discord in the Crown Prince’s household will make others laugh.”

The Crown Prince gently touched Su Wan’ning’s cheek, kissed her forehead, and said, “I know everything you do is for my sake, but don’t worry—who would dare mock the Crown Prince’s residence? The Empress Dowager’s birthday is coming up, and Father intends to celebrate it grandly, entrusting me with the arrangements. If you have time, think about what kind of birthday gift you should prepare for her—that’s what truly matters.”

A smile immediately spread across Su Wan’ning’s face as she playfully scolded, “Your Highness, how can preparing a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager be something to do in one’s free time? It must be done with care and sincerity. I’ve already decided—I will personally transcribe the ‘Ten Thousand Word Sutra’ for her. The Empress Dowager is devoted to Buddhism, so this will surely touch her heart.”

The Crown Prince gently pulled the soft young woman into his arms and said, “My Wan’er is always so considerate. With how obedient and sensible you are, the Empress Dowager will definitely love you.”

Su Wan’ning thought so too. After all, compared to the unruly and willful Zhaoyun, any elder would prefer someone as understanding as herself.

She had once won over Old Madam Lu’s favor and gradually gained control over her. Now, she could win over the Empress Dowager just the same.

After all, the Empress Dowager resided deep in the palace and did not have a grandson like Lu Hanzhi by her side.

Moreover, the benefits the Empress Dowager could offer her far exceeded what Old Madam Lu ever could.

With this thought in mind, Su Wan’ning returned to her Ninglu Pavilion and asked her maid to fetch some paper.

After a moment of hesitation, she tossed the paper into the brazier and burned it, then retrieved a new sheet from beneath her pillow.

The twelfth lunar month was bitterly cold, and heavy snow blanketed the capital, draping everything in a pristine layer of white.

Prince Chu’s child had finally stabilized. After checking the pulse, Doctor Lin finally revealed a hint of a smile and said, “There’s no need to worry anymore, but you should continue taking the prenatal medicine. You may engage in intimacy, but be mindful and exercise restraint.”

Prince Chu let out a sigh of relief and said, “This pregnancy has been anything but easy, but at least we’ve managed to protect it.”

Doctor Lin added, “You can start eating more now. At this stage, the nausea shouldn’t be as severe.”

Over the past few months, Prince Chu had grown noticeably thinner, but recently, his appetite had improved slightly.

After thanking Doctor Lin, Prince Chu personally saw him out.

Before leaving, Doctor Lin said, “Don’t go out in this weather. I still have to visit the Crown Prince’s residence and check on County Princess Zhaoyun.”

This task had been assigned to him by Yuwen Min.

Prince Chu sighed and said, “Thank you for your efforts, Doctor Lin. I won’t say more—your kindness is beyond words.”

Doctor Lin didn’t respond, simply boarding his carriage and heading toward the Crown Prince’s residence.

As the night deepened, Lu Xuzhi assisted Prince Chu in taking a bath.

Soaking in the warm spring water, Prince Chu gestured for him to join.

Although they were married, it had been a long time since they had seen each other so openly.

After all, Prince Chu had been pregnant since their wedding and had been focused on protecting the child.

Lu Xuzhi felt a bit embarrassed, but he quickly undressed and stepped into the bath.

Prince Chu’s lower abdomen had already started to show. Lu Xuzhi gently placed a hand on it and murmured, “Yu’er…”

But Prince Chu pressed his hand down and said, “Yu’er is asleep…”

Lu Xuzhi: ?

Prince Chu continued, “Actually… I think Hanzhi was right…”

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